Len Kauffman was a successful wrestler at Lebanon High School and then was a two-time All-American at Oregon State University. He is a member of the Hall of Fame at both schools.

After college he continued wrestling and was a two-time National AAU freestyle champion who placed fourth at the 1966 World Championships.

Len also served in the United States Army, retiring as a colonel with a Bronze Star, meritorious service and 23 air medals. After serving as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, he returned to Oregon State and was an assistant to Hall of Fame head coach Dale Thomas. Kauffman went on to become the head coach at Portland State University.

After coaching, he became a pilot for American Airlines, but still made wrestling a big part of his life. Kauffman has served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Oregon Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame since 2004, including serving as both president and vice president.

He is also one of the founders of an organization that has supported the Oregon State wrestling program for 35 years by bringing wrestling alumni together and keeping them connected while supporting the current program.

Len is retired and lives with his wife Sheri in Tualatin, Oregon.